Greater New Orleans

Noel weakens a little over Cuba

At 10 a.m. CDT, the center of Tropical Storm Noel was located near latitude 21.1 north, longitude 77.4 west or about 40 miles, 60 km, east-southeast of Camaguey, Cuba and about 270 miles 435 km, south of Nassau in the northwestern Bahamas.

Noel is moving toward the west near 12 mph, 19 km/hr. A gradual turn toward the northwest is forecast during the next 24 hours. On this track, the center of Noel is expected to remain inland over Cuba today and tonight, but emerge off the northern coast of Cuba by tomorrow.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph, 75 km/hr, with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 175 miles, 280 km, mainly to the east from the center.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 1001 mb, 29.56 inches.

Above normal tides are likely within the warning areas.

Noel is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of 10 to 20 inches over Hispaniola, with possible isolated maximum totals of 30 inches. Total accumulations of 5 to 10 inches, with possible maximum amounts of 15 inches, are possible over southeastern Cuba and the Bahamas. These rains, particularly in hispaniola, are expected to cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides.